People are adopting digital as much as they can. Even the schools and universities have suspended their traditional way of teaching and switched to online education. But we know that a physical classroom is better for education than sitting next to a screen and learning through a virtual teacher. It may not give practical knowledge to the learner. Then the question arises, is online education any good? What are the advantages of online education, and why should we adopt digital education?
1. Affording Cost, Reduce Expense burden
It is not a hidden fact that the cost of education has increased over the years. Be it a school-going child or a college student, they all have to pay a huge sum of the monthly fees. The education expense is so much so that people could not afford it, and they have to take education loans.
In the case of online education, the cost is much less than the cost of traditional education. If you are looking to save money from unnecessary college expenses like canteen expenses, traveling expenses, and library expenses. Then online education is the best medium. You only pay for education and nothing else.
2.Traveling time conservation
One of the biggest issues that the students face is traveling daily to the college campus. Normally, the college campuses are located at the outskirts of the city as it requires more space. And traveling to the campus is a time-consuming and exhausting process. For example, If you are living in central Delhi but the college campus is in Greater Noida. Then it will take more than 4 hours of your daily time to reach the campus. And we cannot ignore the traveling expense either.
On the other hand, online education does not require traveling at all. You can invest all of your traveling time for studies and save money too.
3.Home comfort
There is absolutely no restriction on what you wear while attending the class. No need to follow the dress code. If you want to sit on your sofa or even if you’re going to lay down on your bed and then watch the lecture, you can. You can enjoy the comfort of your home while attending online classes.
But in the case of a traditional classroom, you need to follow the strict guidelines and dress code.
4.Multiple choice in courses
When you opt for the traditional college program, you have to study only those already mentioned in the course. Suppose if you have opted for engineering, you cannot study history. You have to follow the syllabus of engineering.
But in the case of online education, there are no such restrictions. You can choose and learn about the subjects you want to. There is no set of topics that you must follow. Even if you have opted for an engineering program, you can always find an online class for history.
5.Suitable for working professionals
Many times, working professionals have to quit their jobs for college studies. It becomes difficult for them to manage their job timings with the college timings. Neither you can change your college hours, nor do all employers allow their employees’ job timing flexibility.
That is the reason online education works as a savior here. It gives you complete flexibility to schedule or joins the classes at your time. You can schedule your classes after your office hours and continue your studies without worrying about time management.
6.Recorded Videos Lectures
Do you remember missing an important lecture due to some urgent work or bad health? This does not happen with online classes. You can request your instructor or teacher to record the lecture so that you can watch that recorded lecture later to consolidate. These recorded lectures can also be used to revise or review a concept that you did not understand earlier.
7.No Dearth of Study Material
One of the best features of online learning is that we have plenty of resources. That is, we need not worry about the notes of a chapter. We can easily access the notes and exercise solutions for all subjects with the help of the internet. In traditional classroom lectures, we have to note down what the teacher is teaching on the board in real-time. But, in online classes, there is no such bound to write everything at the same time. You can get the notes later. It helps us to concentrate on the concepts without worrying about taking notes.
8.Use of Technology for Better Understanding
While reading your science or math textbook, you must have encountered some diagrams, charts, graphs, etc. Don’t you think visual animations will help you to understand the diagrams in a better way? For example, if you are reading about the human respiratory system, an animation depicting how our lungs work will help you understand the topic excellently. Therefore, one of the most beneficial online education facilities is the use of technology to explain the concepts.
9.Self-Paced Learning
Online classes are extremely beneficial for students who learn at their speed. Some students understand the concepts faster than others, and on the other hand, some students need time to grasp the concepts. In online education, students can eradicate this difference. They are free to learn the subject at their own pace. It helps the students to enhance their understanding without feeling a sense of inferiority to others.
10.Faster Growth
Online classes are more productive than the traditional classroom teaching system. In online learning, students can learn the concepts faster. Unlike schools and colleges, in online classes, there are no other works assigned to the teachers. For example, you must have seen your teachers in your school or college doing extra activities other than teaching. Like, organizing an event, hosting an event, conducting meetings with other staff and management committee members, etc., reduces the time the teachers can spend in their classrooms. Thus, online education is more productive and ensures speedy learning.
11.Online Classes Inculcate Self Discipline
Online classes impart a value of self-discipline in your mind. In a counterintuitive way, you do not have someone who can motivate you and push you towards your goal in online classes. You have to generate self-motivation in yourself. You are bound to educate yourself and handle your affairs on your own. This imparts a sense of responsibility in your mind.
12.More Individual Attention
Some students often do not feel comfortable asking questions during class in an offline system. But, fortunately, in an online class, you can ask questions directly without getting embarrassed or feeling stupid. You are free to ask your questions through messages and emails also. This eradicates the fear from the minds of the students.
13.Opportunities to Connect with Others
The online education system is the future of education. We are going to see massive development in the field of education in the upcoming years. One of the striking features of online learning is that it allows us to connect with others. It enlarges our connectivity. We can interact with teachers and students living in another country.
14.Exposure to Global Pedagogical Methods
Online classes allow us to know what teaching methods the teachers in other countries are using. It gives us exposure to international teaching and learning methods that we can adopt in our country. It helps us socialize with others and learn from each other.
15.Enhancement in Technical Skills
It is clear that in upcoming years technology will be playing an indispensable role. With the increase in people relying on technology to facilitate their day-to-day activities, it is prudent to enhance our technical expertise. Online classes offer us a chance to indulge in activities involving the use of technology. For example, with online courses available on the internet, you can learn Web Designing, Android Development, Graphic Designing, Photo, Video editing, etc. These skills are in high demand in today’s world and hence worth learning.
Conclusion
We cannot deny the fact that traditional classrooms are a better place to try and learn. It gives you exposure to the real world and lets you apply your theoretical knowledge in practical life. But online education also has some unique advantages that are beneficial for those who cannot attend the classroom. If you are at a distant location and cannot participate in school or college, online education is an option.
However, if you are a college student and want to learn extra skills other than your studies, then online education is an opportunity to learn new things.
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